Algonquin College hosts Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala
Posted on Wednesday, September 27th, 2017
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Algonquin College celebrated 10 distinguished individuals and organizations at its inaugural Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala.
Jerry Popowich, Chief Creative Officer of Mercury Filmworks, was named Alumnus of the Year, while the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club was honoured as Alumni Employer of the Year.
“From health-care pioneers to entrepreneurs, and award-winning artists to community builders, these alumni are innovators and difference makers,” Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen said. “They are breaking new ground in their fields and industries. They are champions of change in fields ranging from technology and animation to health sciences. From inspiring corporate citizenship, to helping our most vulnerable, they are making their mark. They are giving back.”
Presented by Johnson Insurance, the Sept. 27 gala honoured the important social and economic contributions that Algonquin College graduates make to the community, Canada, and around the world. The gala took place in Minto Hall at the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE), and was hosted by Algonquin alumni Angie Poirier and Stuntman Stu, radio show hosts on MAJIC 100.
In accepting Alumnus of the Year honours, Popowich said Algonquin College convinced him to pursue his dream career. “There are other jobs out there, but drawing is pretty fun, and you can make a living at it,” he said. The Animation grad was lauded for his team’s work on properties ranging from Tangled and Mickey Mouse Shorts to The Simpsons, and for his ongoing support for the College’s aspiring student artists.
Representing the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club to accept Alumni Employer of the Year were the organization’s Digital Media Strategist, Matthew Perry, and Community Relations Coordinator, Matthew Wason — both Algonquin grads. The Senators employ 50 Algonquin College alumni, take on numerous co-ops from the College, and offer support through annual student endowment funds and fundraising efforts.
The Creative Arts and Design award went to Trent Correy, an award-winning character animator at Walt Disney Studios. “I can draw a decent snowman but I could probably use a few more Algonquin English courses,” joked the Animation grad, who was part of the Oscar-winning teams behind the movies Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia. Giving credit to his amazing professors, he added, “I’ve worked alongside most of them. They really did help me get into the industry here.”
The Community Service award was given to Peter Tilley, Executive Director of the Ottawa Mission. Under his direction, the organization has expanded their services in the areas of mental health support, addiction and trauma service, hospice care and housing outreach.
Tilley said he was fortunate, “to serve the most valuable people in this community” through his work at the Ottawa Food Bank and Ottawa Mission.
The Business award recipient was Loring Phinney, VP Corporate Marketing, Bell. A Public Relations grad, his role at Bell encompasses sponsorship and events. “To this day I believe my success was based on the co-op program here at Algonquin – one of the first of its kind in the country,” he said.
Health Sciences honours went to Fred Montpetit, a Nursing grad who has made an impact across Canada, including his current work for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and as Nunavut’s former Chief Nursing Officer. “I am the nurse I am today because they invested in me,” he said, while praising the many talented nurses the College has graduated over the last 50 years.
The recipient for Technology was Steve Barkhouse, President of Amsted Design Build. The award-winning company has offered opportunities to countless college students, and Barkhouse helped raise millions of dollars to build ACCE, the site of the gala. “Thank you to Algonquin for giving me the tools I needed,” Barkhouse, a Business Administration Human Resources grad, said in a pre-recorded acceptance video.
Recent Graduate award honours went to Sutton McKay, an entrepreneur who co-owns Luxus Auto Care and Millen Solutions. He thanked the College for being a place that “welcomes entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Rena Bowen, an inspector with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A Nursing grad, Bowen’s years of involvement with the College include as past chair of the Algonquin College Alumni Association, current chair of the Alumni and Friends Network Advisory Committee, and a member of the Algonquin College Foundation Board of Directors.
“The College taught me to give back to my community,” Bowen said. “All alumni have an opportunity to nurture and support… think about volunteering. We do need you.”
Michelle Valberg, president of Valberg Imaging, garnered the Changing Lives Award. The photographer was heralded for her artistic creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment.
“Giving back has been especially important to me,” Valberg said of her three-decade career, while recognizing the teachers who “fostered” her gift for photography at the College. “I am so proud to stand next to so many amazing graduates.”
The event included a three-course meal, live entertainment, and design elements inspired by the College’s new Coat of Arms.
Jensen called the award recipients, “a truly inspiring representation of what makes Algonquin College so special.”
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